traction motor

English

Noun

traction motor (plural traction motors)

1. (transport) An electric motor used for the propulsion of a vehicle, such as a tram, trolleybus, electric or diesel-electric locomotive or train.
   • 1961 March, C. P. Boocock, “The organisation of Eastleigh Locomotive Works”, in Trains Illustrated, page 159:

     The diesel engines and traction equipment from S.R. multiple-units and traction motors from electric trains are also overhauled at Eastleigh.

Related terms

• traction engine
• tractive effort (tractive force)
• tractor